eachdraidh | [ video ] open to both courts (backdated a week or so)

[ A video clicks on of a teenage boy. He looks a little worn out, almost making him appear older than he really is. When he speaks, his tone is brusque. ]

... Hey. If we haven't met, my name is Tsurugi Kyousuke. [ not one to spare words, he jumps straight into business: ] I recently learned something everyone should know.

You might know that people seem to disappear on occasion. Sometimes they leave their Shard behind. Sometimes we just can't seem to contact them. [ he pauses, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. ] Apparently, those people die. Or worse, they either get trapped between worlds, or forget everything and lose their forms. I'm told that while we're here we a thin connection to our worlds, and that connection can be lost forever.

[ It's probably clear enough why he looks so tired now. He's talked to a few people he can't seem to find anymore, and thinking that may have happened to them is ... unpleasant, to say the least. ]

I can't tell anyone what to do with all that, but I think that makes it clear enough that we need to find a solution instead of dragging out this war. We don't need to lose more people.

.... That's all I had to say.

[ the video cuts off abruptly. ]

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[ When he first hears the news he goes paler than before, swaying on his feet, and the glass in his hands drops from nerveless fingers, the first thought screaming through his mind

How am I to tell Celegorm? for Celebrimbor was as a son to him, and he is gone, and Celegorm has never dealt well with grief.

The next draws a keen from him and he crumples to his knees because

Elrond, Elrond, no, not my son, not my son!

After a while however he pushes himself up and sets his face - Celebrian - he needs to find Celebrian, his niece will need him now ]

[ By the time he answers his voice is as even and calm as a glacial lake ]

You are certain of this, Master Tsurugi?

... That depends on how much you trust the rulers. But I do believe them.

[ a harsh bark of laughter ]

Trust them? Not in the slightest. But if you believe the information to be accurate, I have no choice but to trust you.

[ almost, his iron control wavers, but he steadies himself ]

Tis ill news indeed but I thank you for the telling of it. In that, at the least, you have been kinder than the Kings and Queens.

[ He has no answer for that. He doesn't think withholding that but of information was meant to be malicious, he's a bit wary of taking everything they say at face value himself, so he can hardly defend them, or blame anyone wo doesn't think kindly of them. ]

... I'm just doing what I can.

There are people who've offered to look into it. I'm not sure what they'd find, but I can let you know if anything changes.

I... would appreciate Master Tsurugi. There is too much of this world that we do not know. Too much that we are not told, or that we recieve but lies if we ask.

At this stage I trust few, but I would rather heed the voices of the people than the rulers.

I agree. I think it's time someone uncovered the truth. [ although the problem with that is, even if he says that, he doesn't have much thought on where to begin, and it's frustrating. ]

[ The rest, he decides to take as a vote of confidence, which means he needs to try and be that much more reliable, to ensure it's not misplaced. ]

I think it's up to everyone here to make sure we can rely on each other. Without that, nothing's going to change.

Mm. I have been too weary to begin again the tedious game of politics, but I suppose I had best, again, seek to know the direction the currents of the courts flow, if I am to protect those I care for.

[ a long sad sigh ]

That, I fear, is a dream with little chance of fulfillment. There are too many on both sides far too eager to lay a hand to their blades, and also many with their own agendas.

... I can't agree. There's just as many, if not more, who don't want that. If we can learn to come together, we can outweigh the ones who do.

You have a greater heart than I. [ Maglor sounds tired ]

Too much I have seen and too little I have found cause for hope or trust. Perhaps, perhaps... but I no longer have the strength to hope for it.

[ his tone grows a little sharper. ]

... So you're going to give up because it's hard?

Not quite. Say rather, I stand aside to let the young ones take their place on the road. I fade, I think Tsurugi. I do not know how much time I have left.

[ That.. gives the boy some pause. He isn't sure how to respond at first. After a while, he offers quietly yet firmly, ]

I knew a man who still kept trying to protect what he believed in even though he was sick and dying. ... It's never too late.

'To evil end shall all things turn that they begin well' [ Maglor quotes, the words echoing with the memory of the Doomsman's voice, the curse engraved on his very soul ]

So it was said of us, and so it has proven, even here. Better that I simply go, I think Tsurugi. To involve myself in any thing, it seems, is only to bring more grief.

And letting yourself be ruled by that isn't?

[ normally he wouldn't press so hard on something that's none of his business, but pressing on in the face of despair is both a complicated and sore subject for him. ]

Think you I have not tried, Tsurugi? Near one thousand years of the sun I have fought, and all that I have done has come to dust and ashes - my family slain, our kingdoms overthrown. Even our very Oath torments me. I cannot do this again.

[ all that comes out is a frustrated noise. he knows that feeling, of thinking sparing any effort on yourself will only be a fruitless effort, and that's why he also know there's nothing he can really say. ]

... Fine. I won't say anything more. But that doesn't mean I'm conceding.

[ in this case, he'll just have to show him he's wrong through the right results. that's all. ]

[ Over on his side a tired smile crosses Maglor's face but all he says is ]

I did not expect you too, Master Tsurugi. But I thank you all the same. May you have better fortune here than I.

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